Austria•EuropeRWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card
At a Glance
2 months
EUR €218
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored points-based work permit for skilled professionals earning 55+ points, with 24-month initial grant and spouse work rights.
The Red-White-Red (RWR) Card is Austria's points-based residence and work permit for skilled professionals from outside the EU. It requires a minimum of 55 points and a binding job offer with adequate salary. The card is issued for two years, granting skilled workers legal residency and unrestricted work authorization in their nominated role.
The permit is valid for 24 months and renewable if qualification persists; holders may upgrade to Red-White-Red Card Plus after 21 months of qualifying employment. The application fee is EUR 218. Spouses have unrestricted work rights, and dependents may reside. Processing takes approximately 8 weeks.
This visa is ideal for university-educated professionals and experienced specialists seeking to establish a career in Austria with employer sponsorship and stable, multi-year residence.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
AustriaRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid job offer from an Austrian employer
Minimum points threshold (70 for Very Highly Qualified, 55 for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations/Other Key Workers)
Proof of qualifications/education relevant to the job
Proof of adequate means of subsistence (regular income)
Proof of health insurance covering all risks in Austria
Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., lease contract)
No threat to public order or security
Criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months)
KEY CRITERIA
Education
vocational or higher
Experience
1+ years
Min. Income
48,510 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photos
Points calculation sheet
Employment contract
Educational credentials
Work experience documentation
Employer declaration
Criminal record certificate
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Two-year initial permit (24 months) enables career continuity and family planning in Austria
- Clear pathway to Red-White-Red Card Plus after 21 months of qualifying employment
- Spouse can work without labor market restrictions or additional permits
- Renewable permit allows multi-year residence without constant reapplication
- Points-based system rewards education, language skills, and professional experience
- Dependents qualifying for family reunification and can access Austrian education
- Full unrestricted work authorization in your qualified occupation
Worth Knowing
- Application fee of EUR 218 covers processing costs; separate health insurance required
- Minimum 55 points required; factors include age, education, language proficiency
- Job offer from Austrian employer is mandatory; job loss may trigger status review
- Salary threshold of approximately EUR 48,510 annually must typically be met
- Processing takes 8 weeks; plan applications well in advance of employment start
- Requires binding job offer from registered Austrian employer; cannot immigrate and then job-search
Application Process
Calculate points
Verify you achieve minimum 55 points
Secure job offer
Obtain employment contract meeting salary requirements
Prepare documentation
Gather all required documents
Apply at consulate
Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate
Processing
Application reviewed and processed
Receive card
Red-White-Red Card issued for 24 months
Application Forms
| Red-White-Red Card Application | — |
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